2012年2月17日金曜日

How To Walk On One Crutch

how to walk on one crutch

6 Miles of Serenity « runjorgerun

As you all know I had a great post-op consultation this past Tuesday. After the consultation I felt great and knew things were looking up. That evening I went through another challenging physical therapy session. That day is a day I will never forget.

I was given the go-ahead to swim. Granted I do not know how to swim but that will change. Water aquatic exercises will definitely help me in my recovery. The New York Sports Club on West 49th Street offers aquatic aerobic classes. And if they offer swimming lessons that will be an added bonus. Regardless I will seek lessons before my second surgery (likely in December). The city I live in offers swimming classes at a reasonable price each September. If I do not get the lessons now I will get the lessons in the fall. Plus it'll help me in my never ending battle with my weight.


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After returning from medical leave my co-workers gave me compliments on my appearance. While the compliments made me smile the truth of the matter I have gained weight. Granted the weight gain is not significant but I have gained. How can I tell? Sure the scale is one indicator. But then again that scale constantly fluctuates. The other and more revealing indicator came from my clothes. My clothes, in particular slacks, barely fit. After measuring my waist I gained two inches. Sure it's not a staggering increase, but to me it is. I have come so far to be the person I once was.

Upon hearing the good word I can slowly transition into my workouts I became optimistic. While I am not ready to return to the gym, I have taken it upon myself to do something a bit simpler. I started to go for walks. Prior to seeing Dr. Kelly, I began to rummage through my phones app store. I discovered an app called, "Map My Run". I discovered the website through a friend two years ago. Back then I rarely used it since I often forgot to log my run or long walks. But now the app has become a useful tool to help me regain some strength.


Drive Medical Euro Style Light Weight Forearm Crutch, Blue, Adult
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I started using the app on January 27th – I kept it low key since I had yet to see Dr. Kelly for the post-op consultation. The first time I used it walked 6.5 miles in an hour and forty-one minutes. Mind you I walked 6+ miles with the use of one crutch. Yes I cannot believe it either. Afterwards I felt a bit sore but felt great overall.

Since the 27th, I would go for long walks either after work (not on days I had physical therapy) or on the weekend. Quite frankly, despite some minor soreness, I felt great and ALIVE. On one recent walk (January 30) I could have walked a total of 8+ miles but was forced to cut it short as the soreness felt a bit too excessive. The weather was cold and I could not continue. My journey started at the entrance of my office on West 54th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue and trekked through Fifth Avenue. I made a left on Fifth Avenue and went up north to 59th Street. I decided to walk through the runners path in Central Park. There were moments along the path where I wanted to give up, but I trekked further.

"Map My Run" or Should I type, "Map My Walk" route

The park begins on West 59th Street and ends on 110th Street. As I walked through the path, every now and then during my walk I would look at the app and determine how far I traveled. There were points along the way where I slowed down. But as mentioned there were points I wanted to call it a day. Refusing to revert to my old ways I continued. I ultimately reached West 11oth Street – I could not be any happier at how far I have come in the six weeks since the surgery.

My next mission was to travel back to Mid-Town Manhattan. Instead of grabbing the subway or hailing a cab, I opted to walk back. Instead of walking along Central Park West, I walked west four long blocks or so to Broadway. At this point I slowly started to break a sweat but I was feeling great.

I managed to get to 86th Street and end my walk at 6.04 miles. Why 86th and Broadway? Simple I knew the area had a subway station. I ended  the app and received the results of my walk. What was listed? Well see for yourself.

Did I really walk 6 miles and burn 544 calories six weeks after surgery?

Map My Run is a tool that will come in handy as I attempt to regain my old form. It will hold me over until I can get back to the gym. Plus the app will allow me to have fun in finding new ways to beat my timing – and help me in finding new routes.

For those wondering the app uses your phones GPS system. If you are looking for something fun to do download the app and go for a stroll. The app is simple to use and navigate.

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